I have to say I feel the same as CDow about this. I don't have a problem with staying out of the pub, but I don't like being told I'm not allowed to go to the pub. It's inconvenient, particularly with it being the Friday of a bank holiday weekend. The fact that it has its roots in a religion I don't happen to subscribe to doesn't make me feel any better about it either.

I like to make sure I have at least on beer and a serving of red meat on the day in question.

I always try to get a brew done on bad friday. Also, there's usually a Leinster game in the RDS and the bars inside are open ( it's a private club ), and just in case I've a couple of cans of Punk IPA chilling in the fridge anyway. Add a burger from one of the on-site vendors, a Leinster bonus point win and voi-la, Great Friday!

But yes concur with above, there are many many days in the year when I don't go to the pub. Indeed there are many many - well ok - some - days in the year I don't even have a drink - like yesterday for example. But it should be MY choice. Not some archaic sky-fairy worshippers who get to decide what *I* do with *MY* time.

haha yeah I remembered that I used come here sometimes once upon a time. But then I took up bike racing, and that got in the way of brewing and drinking. Then I had a baby and that got in the way of brewing and drinking and bike racing. So now I dunno what to do!

I figured that easter would be a good time for resurrection - I believe there's some sort of prior art?

Barry M wrote:Is Ireland the last country that has such a rule for good Friday?

In Europe, I'd say so. I doubt many others broadcast the Angelus on national public TV and radio either. That's another anachronism that most people would agree is a bit silly but nobody really has the energy to stand up and get it changed.

Regarding Good Friday, if the pubs wanted it, it would have changed by now. It's a competition-free day off.